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WELLSVILLE – Recognizing his outstanding record of military service, a distinguished civilian career, and decades of community involvement, Lt. Col. Art Van Tyne of Wellsville was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame as Senator Catharine Young’s 2013 nominee.

Because Lt. Col. Van Tyne was unable to attend the induction ceremony held in Albany in May, he was honored with a reception held this afternoon at the Morrison Hayes American Legion Post No. 702 in Wellsville.

SALAMANCA – It has been 35 years since a Governor has personally visited Salamanca with good news, according to state Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I - Olean).

Governor Hugh Carey drove a bulldozer to break ground for Route 17 – now Interstate 86 – in Salamanca during July of 1978.

Today, Governor Andrew Cuomo ended the long, dry spell by making a joint appearance with Seneca Nation of Indians President Barry Snyder, Sr. in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Salamanca City Central School District. The leaders announced $350 million in casino revenue payments by the Senecas to the state and local governments - welcome news to a community that has been struggling financially.

OLEAN – Just over 70 years after joining the U.S. Navy, Petty Officer 3rd Class John P. Capito received the military decorations he earned for his service as a signalman aboard a destroyer during World War II.

During a ceremony at the War Veterans Park in Olean today, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – Olean) presented Petty Officer 3rd Class Capito with the medals that were due to him. After being contacted by his family, Senator Young was instrumental in obtaining the awards.

Urges Concerned Citizens to Utilize Shuttles and Come to Public Hearing at SUNY Fredonia

Senator Catharine Young (R, I, C - Olean) has announced that a free shuttle service will be provided beginning at 5:30 p.m. to SUNY Fredonia’s Williams Center and back so that local residents, especially senior citizens, will have transportation to and from the (PSC) hearing on Monday, July 15.

SUNY Fredonia also will have parking available for attendees who wish to drive their own vehicles.

Rural Resources is proud to have published our Summer 2013 edition of Rural Futures (click on the link below). We hope you find Rural Futures both interesting and informative. Please feel free to contact the Commission staff with any questions, comments or suggestions. Thank you!

Family received awards earned for service in the Philippines and Japan

WELLSVILLE – The family of a United States Army veteran who courageously served as an infantryman in some of the most difficult battles in the Pacific Theater during World War II recently received the military decorations he earned during his service.

Urges All Concerned Citizens to Attend Public Hearing at SUNY Fredonia on July 15 at 6:00PM

Saying it is “a great victory for taxpayers and the community,” Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I-Olean) announced that concerned citizens will be granted the opportunity to have their voices heard about the future of the NRG power plant during a public hearing at SUNY Fredonia about the competing NRG and National Grid proposals currently under review by the Public Service Commission.

ALBANY— A bill passed in the Senate (S.5509-A), and sponsored by Senator Catharine Young (R, I, C—Olean), would help rural school districts dramatically increase course offerings for students by taking steps toward the creation of a statewide online and blended learning program.

Online and blended learning initiatives, often referred to as virtual learning, provide schools with cost-effective opportunities to use technology to offer students access to courses otherwise not available.

ALBANY - The New York State Senate recently gave final passage to legislation (S4777D), co-sponsored by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- Olean), that would protect providers of services for people with disabilities from devastating state funding cuts.

The legislation would appropriate up to $90 million, or as much as is needed, to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to protect providers from funding reductions if recommended savings measures fall short of projections.

“This victory was hard fought, but well worth the battle. We must stand up for the state’s most vulnerable citizens. The Senate was able to restore some of the cuts in the state budget, and remained persistent until these vital organizations could remain fully-funded. Agencies will not be forced to cut or reduce programs that are crucial to people with disabilities,” said Senator Young.

ALBANY - The New York State Senate has passed the “Public Assistance Integrity Act,” co-sponsored by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- Olean), that would prohibit welfare recipients from using cash assistance for tobacco, alcoholic beverages, lottery tickets or gambling.

“Temporary public assistance is supposed to help people get back on their feet as they work to become self-sufficient. Unfortunately, far too many individuals are abusing the program that is intended for groceries and other necessities. It is time to cut down on the blatant misuse of these funds,” said Senator Young.

“Renee’s Law” Expands Information Available to Those Involved in the Placement of Violent Youth

ALBANY – The New York State Senate today passed a measure to protect the staff and occupants in group homes and other youth residential facilities. “Renee’s Law” (S2625), sponsored by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I-Olean), increases the criminal history and other information available to those involved in residential placements for violent youth offenders so that a thorough evaluation of the youth's rehabilitation and the risk they pose to the community can be performed.

ALBANY - The New York State Senate passed 14 regulatory reform bills yesterday as the first part of a major initiative, that includes statewide public forums, to identify and eliminate thousands of costly and unnecessary government regulations that inhibit job creation and drive up local property taxes. Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I-Olean) applauded the package’s passage as a win for taxpayers, and growing the economy and jobs.

OLEAN – With the end of the school year in sight, many students are anxiously awaiting the summer months. To keep their skills honed and minds sharp, the New York State Senate, in conjunction with the New York State Library, has launched the Summer Reading Program for students across the State.

OLEAN – Senator Catharine Young announced that she has teamed up with Sunnking and SKF Aeroengine to offer a free electronics recycling event for area residents. The event will take place on Saturday, June 22 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at SKF Aeroengine, One Maroco Road, Falconer.

Senator Young stopped by to meet the recent graduates of Generations-On Line Senior Computer Training, a computer class geared toward seniors who want to keep up with the newest technology. The class was held at the Olean One Stop in the New York State Department of Labor offices, and the program was administered by the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging

Computers and exploring the Internet can be intimidating for some, and this class taught basic computer skills to its eager-to-learn students. The students all had different reasons for wanting to get online – some just want to explore the Internet, while others want to Skype with relatives and see pictures of their grandchildren.

Senator Young attended the Houghton Volunteer Fire Department Dinner to help honor David Ries, an ambulance driver who will be retiring at the end of the year after 18 years of service. David Ries is pictured in the center, with Fire Chief Dave Edwards joining him and Senator Young.

David joined the Houghton Volunteer Fire Department in December 1995 as an ambulance driver. He has driven many thousands of miles while responding to more than 1,400 calls and has given approximately 3,500 hours of his own time in service to others in his vital role.

Senator Young recently attended a ribbon cutting for the Genesee River Wilds Transit Bridge Launch Site in Belfast.

The new area provides access for kayaks and canoes, has ample parking and also boasts an informational kiosk. This location has the potential to become a recreation hot spot for those who want to get outside and enjoy what nature has to offer.

Pictured with Senator Young are Dr. Allen Kerkeslager, Genesee River Wilds Co-Founder; Curt Crandall, Chairman of the Allegany County Legislature; William Hart, Genesee River Wilds Board President and Co-Founder; and Assemblyman Joe Giglio.

Art Van Tyne nominated to New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame by Senator Catharine Young

ALBANY – Lt. Col. Art Van Tyne’s outstanding record of military service and community involvement are the reasons why he was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame as Senator Catharine Young’s 2013 nominee.

New York has some of the most breathtaking outdoor scenery in the nation. From the peaks of the Adirondacks to the shores of Lake Erie, our state has a truly unparalleled natural beauty.

As we head into summer – and campgrounds across the state are now open – we encourage you to consider planning a trip to one of our state’s majestic parks. In our area alone, we have Allegany State Park, Conesus Lake Boat Launch, the Genesee Valley Greenway, Lake Erie State Park, Letchworth State Park, Long Point State Park on Lake Chautauqua, Midway State Park and Stony Brook State Park.

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